Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1887-07-13
FROM THEPRESrDENT.


campment at St. Louis. -
President Cleveland will not attend the
Grand Army encampment, as will be seen
by the following letter from the President to
Mayor Francis.
Executive Mansion, Washington, July 4
Hon. David r. Francis, Mayor and Chair
man-Dear Sir: When received the ex-
tremely cordial and gratifying invitation
number OF her representatlv men, to visit
that city during the national encampment
of the Grand Army of the Republic, I had
been contemplating for some time the ac-
ceptance of the invitation IRON that organi-
zation to the same effect, and had considered
the pleasure which it would afford me if it
should be possible to meet, not only mem
bers of the Grand Army, but the people of
ST. Louis and other cities in the West which
occasion would give me an opportunity to
visit. Exactions of nv public duties I feel
to be SO uncertain, however, that when first
confronted by the delegation Of which YOU
were the head, I expected to do no more at
that time than to promise consideration of
the double invitation rendered me, and to ex-
press the pleasure it would give me to accept
the same thereafter, if possible. But the
cordially and sincerity in s Of your presenta-
pie who surrounded you, so impressed
me that could not resist
the feeling which prompted me to
assure you on the spot that would be with
you and the Grand Army of the Republic at
the time designated, if nothing happened in
the meantime to absolutely prevent my
leaving Washington. Immediately upon
the public announcement of this conclusion,
expressions emanating from certain impor-
tant members of the Grand Army of the Re-
lence, constrained me to review my. accept
ance of these invitations. The expressions
referred to 60 to the extent of declaring that
| would be an unwelcome guest at the time
and place of the national encampment
This statement is based, as well as I
can judge, upon certain official acts of mine
involving important public interests, done
under the restraints and obligations of my
oath OF office, which do not appear to accord
with the wishes of some members of the
Grand Army of the Republic. I refuse to
believe that this organization, founded upon
patriotic ideas, composed very largely of
men entitled to lasting honor and considera-
ton, and whose GROWING glory it should be
that they are American citizens as well as
veteran soldiers, deems it part Of its mis-
sion to compass any object or purpose by
attempting to intimidate the executive or
cutting the laws; and yet, the expressions to
which have referred, indicate such preva-
lence Of unfriendly feeling and such a
menace to an occasion which should be
harmonious, peaceful and cordial, that
they cannot be ignored. beg you to
understand that l am not conscious of any
act of mine which should make me fear to
meet the Grand Army of the Republic or
any other assemblage of my fellow citizens.
The account of my official stewardship is al
ways ready for pres, ntation to nay country
mon. should not be frank if I failed to
confess, while disclaiming all resentment,
that have been hurt by these unworthy
and wanton attacks upon me, growing out
of this matter, and the reckless manner in
which my actions and motives have been
misrepresented, both publicly and privately
for which however, the Grand Army Of
the Republic as body is not responsible.
Threats OF personal violence and harm in
case undertake the trip in Questionable
scores of misguided, unbalanced men, under
stimulation Of excited feeling, have made
don my visit to the West and disappoint
your citizens, I might, if alone were con-
cerned, submit to insult to which, it is quite
openly asserted, would be helplessly
subjected if present at the encampment
but should bear with me there the peoples
highest Office, the dignity Of which I must
protect, and believe that neither the Grand
Army of the Republ c, as an organization,
nor any thing like majority Of its members,
would ever encourage any scandalous at
tack upon it. If, however, among the mem
bership of this body there are some, as GER
denounce me and my official acts at the
national encarnpment, believe they
should be permitted to do so unrestrained
by my presence as the guest of their organi-
cation, or as the guest of the hospitable
oity in which their meeting is held, A num-
Der of the Grand Army posts have signified
their intention, I am informed to remain
away from the encampment in case visit
the city at that time. Without considering
the merit Of such an excuse, I feel that /